The New York Mets appear to be committed to making a playoff push this season whether they trade Noah Syndergaard or not, and they are said to be unwilling to move the right-hander unless the return package includes at least one major league-caliber player. The San Diego Padres are reportedly willing to offer that.
According to Jon Heyman of Fancred, the Padres offered multiple MLB-level players to the Mets in exchange for Syndergaard, but it does not appear the two sides are close to a deal.
Have heard Padres made offer of multiple Major-League players for Syndergaard. No evidence the sides are close however.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2019
Ken Rosenthal reaffirmed on Tuesday that the Mets are seeking current MLB players or MLB-ready talent in any potential Syndergaard deal, and those demands even apply to teams with deep farm systems.
More evidence #Mets do not intend to take step back: Sources say team is asking for major-league or major-league ready pieces for Syndergaard, even from clubs with top farm systems.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2019
The Mets entered Tuesday six games back in the NL wild card hunt, but they probably feel like a starting rotation led by Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom and the newly-acquired Marcus Stroman will allow them to make a late playoff push. That’s why they aren’t interested in unloading Syndergaard if they’re only getting prospects back.
For what it’s worth, Syndergaard has given numerous hints that he does not want to be traded. He’s also under team control through 2021, so the Mets would probably have to be blown away with an offer to move him.
